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Study in Canada without IELTS

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Rohan Deshmukh
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If you are planning to study abroad in an English speaking country like Canada, you will be familiar with the terms IELTS, PTE, TOFEL etc. These English proficiency tests examine your ability to speak, comprehend, and articulate in the English language. But, as an aspirant, you’ll know that without these test scores, your admission to a foreign university and a student visa might be in an uphill climb. But, what if, you can study in Canada without IELTS? 

There are a few colleges in Canada without IELTS. Some of the universities too apply an IELTS waiver for international students. But, how to go Canada without IELTS? Well, let’s discuss each of these. 

In this blog, we will address concerns like how to go Canada without IELTS? How to get a Canada study visa without IELTS and other alternatives in place of IELTS that make your study in Canada dream come true at ease. 

Table Of Content:

  1. Study In Canada Without IELTS: What are the alternatives to studying in Canada without IELTS? 
  2. Canada Universities Without IELTS 2022: 10 Best Canada Colleges Without IELTS Requirement
  3. Canada Student Visa Without IELTS: Do you need IELTS to study in Canada?
  4. Documents Required For Canada Student Permit Without IELTS

Study In Canada Without IELTS: What are the alternatives to studying in Canada without IELTS?

It is possible to study in Canada without IELTS. However, the universities in Canada without IELTS or even, Canada student visa without IELTS is achievable with an alternative. The various alternatives to study in Canadian colleges without IELTS are:

  1. Exception: International Students from English speaking countries can be exempted from providing IELTS scores in Canada
  2. English Medium Certificate: A student can submit proof that they have studied in an English Medium school for at least 4 years as the replacement for English proficiency scores.
  3. Alternative English Tests: Students can provide scores of other English Proficiency tests like the Duolingo English Test, TOEFL and PTE. This is a widely accepted pathway that most international students opt for. 
  4. Course Exemption: International students can also opt for English language courses offered by the university (if the provision is provided) for those who are incompetent to provide an English proficiency score.

The above-listed alternatives are the best way to study in Canada without IELTS 2022. You really didn’t think you could skip the whole step, did you? But, on the contrary, these alternatives are quite simple. You can apply the same alternatives for Masters in Canada without IELTS too. 

Suggested Read: What’s In The IELTS Test?

Best Canada Universities And Colleges Without IELTS 2022

To ease your hunt, we’ve curated a special list of universities in Canada without IELTS. This list will help you gather information about which university does not require IELTS in Canada. In addition to this, there are names of Canadian colleges that accept students without IELTS, as well. 

Canada Universities Without IELTS

Alternatives For IELTS Score


  1. Brock University 
  • Language school pathways
  • Brock’s intensive English language program
  • English language proficiency waiver letter declaring that English was the mode of instruction at earlier university

  1. Carleton University
  • Official transcripts of the last three years of high school, university or college (proving that your previous education was in the English Language)
  1. Memorial University
  • Intensive English Program at Memorial University's St. John's Campus or Grenfell Campus

  1. University of Regina 
  • Proof of completing post-secondary education in English 

  1. Cambrian University
  • English aptitude of students is calculated upon arrival. Students who fail to meet the required criteria will be expected to take the English language course before starting their chosen program.
  • Alternative test scores like TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English Test (DET) are accepted 

  1. University of Saskatchewan
  • A two-year diploma in Canada prior to the program
  • Three Year diplomas in case of outside Canada 
  • A one-year degree taught in English

  1. University of Winnipeg
  • Opting for an English Language Program at the university 

  1. Concordia University
  • Students must provide proof of finishing four years of study at an English medium secondary or post-secondary institution.
  • Alternative test proofs such as TOEFL, DET, CAEL, CAE, CPE, PTE 
  • Intensive English Language program present at the university on conditional admission.

  1. Okanagan College
  • Duolingo score.

  1. Seneca College
  • The candidate must have finished two years of study at an English-language academic institution 
  • Must have CAEL CE, Cambridge English Exams, Duolingo, PTE Academic, TOEFL scores. 

The above list sums up the universities to study in Canada without IELTS requirements. However, despite the possibility of studying in Canada without IELTS, you might face another hurdle. That is getting the Canada study visa without IELTS. 

It is reasonable to have questions like - ‘Can we go Canada without IELTS? Can you get a study permit for Canada without IELTS?’ The answer to this query is slightly complicated. Let’s discuss it further.

Canada Student Visa Without IELTS: Do you need IELTS to study in Canada? 

International students aspiring to study in Canada usually require their IELTS score during immigration. However, at one point of time they think “Can I go to Canada without IELTS”, Canadian immigration usually requires aspirants of Bachelor/Diploma/Certificate courses to have a minimum of 6-6.5 in their IELTS. Whereas, Master/Doctoral programs require students to score a minimum of 6.5 IELTS score (with no band less than 6).

According to the new rules, you can confirm your admission to a university in Canada to be qualified for a study visa. Therefore, students applying for Canada student visa without IELTS can submit alternative scores like TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English test, CAEL etc.

Documents Required For Canada Student Permit Without IELTS 


International students opting to study in Canada without IELTS require to submit a few documents for Canada Study Visa Process. They are: 

  • English language proof: Provide TOEFL, CAEL Assessment, CAN test, Duolingo or provide proof of taking an English course at the university (if it is a provided option.)
  • Confirmation of Acceptance: Proof of enrollment at a specific university for a program accepting students without IELTS. 
  • Proof of Individuality: Valid passport or travel document, Two recent passport size photographs (Name and Date of Birth written at the back of each photo).
  • Proof of Financial Support: Provide relevant documents to prove that you have enough money to fund yourself to study in Canada. Be it an educational loan, bank statements, scholarships etc, attach the necessary documents proving that you are financially stable to study in Canada. 

Must Read: Masters In Canada Guide For International Students

So, as far as the answer ‘How to go Canada without IELTS’ goes - you definitely can! But, it is recommended that you skip taking the IELTS only if you are ready to fulfil other requirements. Be it the university or the student visa, you will need to prove your English proficiency. So, you might as well take the trouble. In case, you want to figure another way around about Canada without IELTS you can also talk to a Yocket counsellor to assist you in your study abroad journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Going To Canada Without IELTS

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Frequently Asked Questions About Going To Canada Without IELTS

Is IELTS mandatory for Canada?

Which universities in Canada do not require the IELTS score?

How many bands are needed to study in Canada?

Name some of the top Canada colleges you can study in without IELTS? 

Is Canada the best place to study for international students?

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